COMO Pond

Phragmite Removal Project

The COMO, in partnership with the Stonington Village Improvement Association, is currently working towards the restoration of the pond in front of the COMO to its original state. With the assistance of the DEEP, we have begun the process of removing the invasive reed, known as phragmites, in order to help restore the natural ecosystem to this area. We highly encourage you to read the attached letter explaining why this project is so necessary and further details regarding the process we have so heavily researched. Once the project is complete, we look forward to welcoming back natural wildlife, ice skating in the winters, and natural science programs throughout the warm weather. Click here to view our Phragmite Fact Sheet to learn more.

This project is managed by the Stonington Community Center (COMO) and funded by the Stonington Village Improvement Association. Removal of the invasive plants will be done by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Wildlife Division as a part of their Wetland Habitat and Mosquito Management program. The goal of this project is to remove and control the invasive plant species Phragmites australis. Phragmites establish a dense, thatched layer of reeds with slow decomposition and quickly expanding lateral stems. The effect is to force out other plants and animals that cannot thrive in a monoculture. The expected result will be regeneration of the pond's original ecosystem of native plants, birds and aquatic wildlife.